Should I Stay or Should I Go? Making Moves in Northern Colorado

This five-part series is a “how-to” guide for finding your next home while selling your current one. Whether it’s your first time moving up or you’ve done it before, we hope 4 Easy Steps for Buying and Selling at the Same Time is a great resource!

Eventually, we all reach a point where our first homes aren’t cutting it anymore. Life changes, priorities shift, and suddenly, you find yourself in the middle of a major housing dilemma. But fear not! This five-part weekly series gives you the lowdown on how to upgrade your setup without losing your sanity. Whether you’re a seasoned mover or new to the game, consider this your no-nonsense guide to nailing your dream home in Northern Colorado.

Should you stay or should you go?

Change is a natural part of life and sometimes your current home just doesn’t fit the bill anymore. But then again, moving is no walk in the park, both financially and emotionally. So, before you start boxing up your life, let’s break it down:

Picture this: your once-cozy pad now feels cramped, the hip new neighborhood has turned into a hot mess, and you’re dealing with more curveballs than a major league pitcher. That’s when The Clash’s anthem, “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” starts playing in your head.

The money talk

Take a hard look at your finances

You’re going to want to assess your financial situation. Is your job stable? Is your bank account in the black? A solid financial outlook means you’re more likely to secure that mortgage, handle bigger monthly payments, and snag the swanky, upscale place you’ve been eyeing.

Home equity

If you’ve been in your home for five years or more you’ve probably built up some serious equity. That means more collateral you can use toward your next dream pad.

Market watch

Keep tabs on the real estate market. If it’s hot and happening, it’s the perfect time to sell your spot, make a move, and hopefully bump up your bank account. But don’t get caught on your heels when the market slows down. Timing is everything!

Wants vs. needs

Reno reality check

Not every home is a fixer-upper gem waiting to happen. Can your current place handle some construction-level improvements? Or is it time to cut your losses and move on? Sometimes, the path of least resistance leads to a way better place.

Location, location, location

And speaking of place, think about your current neighborhood. Does it still warm your heart? Are the schools top-tier? Is your daily commute driving you up the wall? Don’t settle for a neighborhood that’s lost its charm or no longer fits your needs.

Right-size your space

Are you bursting at the seams with a growing family? Or are you an empty nester ready to downsize and kick back? Take stock of your space needs and let your imagination run wild. Dreaming of a bigger yard or a cozier, low-maintenance home? It’s time to make it happen.

Expect the unexpected

Life has a funny way of throwing us curveballs. Whether you’re starting a family, going out on your own, or embracing an empty nest, your new home should match your lifestyle. Think about what’s to come and plan accordingly. Your future self will thank you.

Lastly, when it comes to the stay-or-go dilemma, sometimes your current place just needs a few adjustments. If that’s the case, we have an extensive list of vendors and contractors we’d be happy to share to help make it shine. Whether you stay or go, let’s make sure you’re living your best life in the home that suits you perfectly.

Ready to make a plan for your next move? The first step is finding a time to meet up with one of our agents so we can learn more about your move-up needs! Click here to schedule an appointment!

Next up in our series for week two is a must-read, or should we say a must-answer! The Two Questions Buyers Need to Ask Themselves First provides the key questions to help lead you to your next home purchase.